Known for “building excitement”, one regional business is doing its part to help build a joyful holiday season for Northeast Tennessee.

Borla Performance Industries, based in Johnson City, recently joined with Second Harvest Food Bank for the inaugural “Borla Drives Out Hunger”, a company-wide effort in support of the community.

“Ownership, human resources and our executive management team at Borla expressed a desire to contribute to our community in a positive way and to ensure those less fortunate than us have a reason to celebrate this holiday season,” said Debbie Juszak, VP of Human Resources at Borla.

Second Harvest Food Bank partners with hundreds of agency to help combat hunger regionally and Borla employees were excited to contribute for their first food drive, according to Juszak.

“The response from our employees has been overwhelming,” she said. “Imagine having a food drive for the very first time and needing to call the food bank twice in the first couple of days of the drive to request additional barrels. Our employee has risen to the occasion as they normally do and have exceeded our expectations. It has brought happiness to their lives in being able to give back to have their efforts benefit those in need in our local communities.”

According to first week numbers, Juszak estimates the business has raised 1,000-1,500 pounds of food, including pasta, canned goods, breakfast cereals, and other items.

Since relocating their headquarters, Borla has continued providing exhaust products nationwide and continues to provide an economic boom to the region.

And with the holiday season in full abundance, the company is encouraging others to give back when possible.

“We strongly encourage all businesses and people of our community to consider giving back in some way or another,” Juszak said. “We can make a difference in the life of someone who is struggling to make ends meet. A small gesture, such as giving to a food drive, can help to make sure no one goes without a basic need in life. This drive has proven that this way of thinking isn’t just one person’s mission, it is that of each of us collectively. We are proud to help our community and a local worthwhile cause such as Second Harvest Food Bank. We are also proud to say we “Borla” aiding to end hunger in our local area.”

Visit Second Harvest’s website or call (423) 279-0430 to learn more about the organization’s goals in the region.